MISSION STATEMENT Love God and one another, serve our community, and transform lives.

VISION

A radically inclusive community, empowered to spread God’s love throughout the world.

BELIEFS

We believe all are created in the image of God. We believe God loves everyone and through Christ saves‐revives‐renews the world. We believe God through the

Holy Spirit changes lives. We believe the church is the body of Christ with a mission. We believe the Bible is the word of God. We believe that God has gifted

everyone and the church for the purposes of God. We believe discipleship is a continuing journey.

ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH  LOVING...SERVING...TRANSFORMING LIVES

FEBRUARY 11, 2018 ~ 8:30 AM AND 10:30 AM WORSHIP

2

Please use this time for prayer and meditation as we prepare for worship.

PRELUDE                                   8:30 am—Ain‐a That Good News!...Carter                                   10:30 am—America the Beautiful...Ward INTERNATIONAL FLAG PROCESSION

THE CHURCH GATHERS

††CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: Come, Lord God, to receive our worship. People: Come, Lord Jesus, to receive our praise. Leader: Come, Holy Spirit, to receive our thanks. People: Come, eternal three‐in‐one God, come where we are gathered to celebrate our

unity as your body, the church. Leader: We share one faith and are of one soul and one mind, which belong solely and

wholly to you. People: We are baptized with one baptism; eat of one bread and drink of one cup. Leader: We share one hope, one comfort, one goal. People: We are one people, united, despite any noticeable differences, by our faith in

you Lord Jesus. Leader: We are one people, united by your love and mercy. ALL: We are one people, united in blessing and in suffering, united in joy and in

sorrow, united in strength and in weakness. Receive our praise!

†PROCESSIONAL                           10:30 am—Ndikhokeli, O Jehovah (O Msindisi)                  Setho Hymn from the Republic of South Africa 

INTERNATIONAL DAY GREETING AND WORDS OF HOSPITALITY

PASSING OF THE PEACE Koinonia (579 AAHH)     

►►►►►►(Congregants may now enter the Sanctuary) 

††HYMN OF PRAISE 8:30 am—Open My Eyes, That I May See (454 UMH)            10:30 am—Woke Up this Mornin’ (566 AAHH)  

INTERNATIONAL DAY PRAYER Creator God, on this International Day we pray that the beauty and diversity of all your children is valued. That your image reflected in the varied hues of skin throughout the human race is recognized. May we rejoice in the diverse images we meet today and every day, so that the face of Christ in the world is real to us. Guide us in your path of love and justice, respect and care for each person, and for the living out of your realm of love and inclusion of all your people. Amen.  

ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH TRANSFIGURATION SUNDAY/INTERNATIONAL DAY

8:30 AM AND 10:30 AM WORSHIP  †† = Those who are able may stand AAHH = African American Heritage Hymnal ‐ Yellow Hymnal    UMH = United Methodist Hymnal ‐ Red Hymnal                        

3

 

►►►►►►(Congregants may now enter the Sanctuary)   

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE 10:30 am—Sunday School

MINISTRY OF MUSIC                                        8:30 am—The Lord is My Shepherd...Excell

MUSICAL SELECTION                                           10:30 am—Voices of Christ the King Choir

CALL TO PRAYER 10:30 am—Just a Little Talk with Jesus...C. Derricks 

MORNING PRAYER

MUSICAL SELECTION                     10:30 am—Pan Masters Steel Orchestra  

LITANY FOR INTERNATIONAL DAY                       10:30 am—See Page 5  

 

WE HEAR THE WORD

SCRIPTURE LESSON 8:30 am—Luke 9:28‐36 (NT—pages 69‐70) 10:30 am—1 Corinthians 12:12‐27 (NT—page 166)

Liturgist: This is the word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

HYMN OF PREPARATION 8:30 am—This Little Light of Mine (585 UMH) 

SERMON 8:30 am—“It Can Be Better” Rev. Ivan Milosi Ministry Intern

INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER 10:30 am—Marsha Waters  

MUSICAL SELECTION 10:30 am—Voices of Christ the King Choir

INTERNATIONAL DAY MESSAGE 10:30 am—“Oneness in Christ” Heureuse Kaj Milosi

Community Engagement Fellow, Missioner‐in‐Residence, Wesley Theological Seminary

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

††HYMN OF INVITATION 8:30 am—Blessed Assurance Jesus is Mine (369 UMH)

10:30 am—Bind Us Together (See page 6)  

Worshipers are invited to pray at the altar in private or signal to an Intercessory Prayer member to pray with you. Also at this time, you may come down to join Asbury in Christian Fellowship.   

4

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY 8:30 am—He Will Not Forget...Lillenas  Dr. Clive Callender, Tenor

MUSICAL SELECTION 10:30 am—Pan Masters Steel Orchestra              

 ††OFFERTORY RESPONSE Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him, above ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

OFFERTORY PRAYER  

WE SCATTER TO BE THE CHURCH IN THE WORLD      

††HYMN OF RECESSION 8:30 am—Jesus Shall Reign (157 UMH)  10:30 am—I Will Trust in the Lord (391 AAHH) 

BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE 8:30 am—Hymn to Joy...Beethoven/Payne   10:30 am—Hush, Hush, Somebody’s Callin’ My Name...Negro Spiritual                                     

The congregation is asked to remain seated for the closing voluntary.                

WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS

Minister of Music & Liturgical Arts Director: Everett P. Williams, Jr. Organist: Earl Hargrove

Voices of Christ the King Choir Director: Michael Marmon‐Halm & Rev. Samuel Atiemo, Senior Minister (10:30 am) Christ the King Presbyterian Church of Berwyn Heights, MD

Pan Master Steel Orchestra Coordinator: Candice Thomas (10:30 am) Music: Clive Callender, Tenor (8:30 am)

Voices of Christ the King Choir & Pan Master Steel Orchestra (10:30 am) Children's Message: Sunday School

Liturgists: Ruth Scarbrough (8:30 am) Mona Davies, Miles Davies, Sanjana Tamrakar, Tange Mills, Marsha Waters & Randolph Scott (10:30 am)

Ushers: Women Greeters: Benjamin Ginyard, Marva Ginyard & Judith Hightower (8:30 am)

Morris James, Rosa James & Zelma Solomon (10:30 am) Acolytes: Tange Mills & Elle Waters (10:30 am) Trustees on Duty: James Anderson (8:30 am)

Canardo M. Richardson (10:30 am)

5

LITANY FOR INTERNATIONAL DAY

Leader: O God, we thank you for the vast heritage of your people of faith. People: For we know that on the first birthday of the Church, the Day of Pentecost, you

gathered up and brought to Jerusalem religious pilgrims from all known parts of the world.

Leader: And we thank you that your Church today continues to represent a diverse

heritage of faith. People: So on this International Day, we come representing many countries where

people of faith have sought to pass on the traditions of Pentecost. Leader: And we thank you Lord that even though we come from many nations and come

bearing different cultural gifts, we come with the same understanding that we are made into one body in Christ Jesus our Lord.

People: So even though we come from Angola, Barbados, Brazil, Democratic Republic of

the Congo, and Ghana, WOMEN: We are one body in Christ. People: Even though we come from Guyana, India, Jamaica, Korea, and Liberia, MEN: We are one body in Christ. People: Even though we come from Nepal, Nigeria, Sierra Leone; Trinidad and Tobago,

and the United States, Leader: We are all one body in Christ. For it was the Spirit of Christ that first brought us

together on the Day of Pentecost. And it will be the same Spirit of Christ what will lead us into the future.

ALL: This is our hope. And this is our prayer. To the full honor and glory of our maker,

who has created all peoples of all generations for eternal fellowship with him. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

6

7

HEUREUSE KAJ AYUKWEND MILOSI

Kaj is from Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo where she is a member of the Central Congo Annual Conference. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe. While in college, she served as a resident manager and devoted herself in Campus Ministry Program through which she learned to put her Christian faith in action.

After college, Kaj served as a young adult missionary with the United Methodist Church’s General Board of Global Ministries in Japan for two years, working with women and children victims of domestic violence and sex trafficking. Kaj’s mission service was such a transformative experience. She speaks of putting Christian love and faith into action by offering services to the underprivileged and marginalized – she calls it “preaching through action.” Kaj is a second‐year student working on her Master of Divinity Degree in the Missional Fellow Program at Wesley Theological Seminary. She is currently interning with the Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics and Ritual in Silver Spring. In addition to her studies at Wesley Theological Seminary, Kaj is quite active with speaking engagements around the Baltimore‐Washington Conference, including presentations to the Conference Cooperative School of Mission U, Bethesda, MD; at Albright Memorial UM Church, Washington, DC; and for the United Methodist Women’s Epworth House Program events, including both the Annual Meeting at Wesley Theological Seminary, and the Epworth House Annual Luncheon, in College Park, MD.

Kaj is married to Rev. Ivan Milosi, who is currently a Ministry Intern at Asbury United Methodist church.

8

ASBURY’S INTERNATIONAL FAMILIES

ANGOLA 

 Sandra Sarney

Soma Fernando Karte Mponda Leba Vicente

BARBADOS 

  Clive and Fern Callender Grace and Marion Hines

Huxley and Jean Williams

BRAZIL 

Tania Feliciano de Lima

Cileide Oliveira

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC  OF THE CONGO  

 Rev. Ivan and Kaj Milosi

GHANA

Labi Koi‐Larbi

John, Victoria, Kobina and Efuwa Nyarku

GUYANA 

Sheila James

INDIA 

 Shanta, Duane, Ashok,

Anjali and Allysha Williams   

KOREA 

Esther Kahng and Corey Martin

LIBERIA 

Joseph, Sophie and Bejan Amer Charles and Rita Ross

NEPAL 

Sanjana Tamrakar and Tange Mills

JAMAICA 

Metirah Apenteng

Enid Bogle Norma and Alfred Clinkscales

Laura, Mark and William Dunkley Yvonne Harvey

Alston, Stephany, Sophie and Victoria McGann Jean McLeod

Alice Airall Owens Marsha, Reginald, Maxim, Elle and Harper Waters

9

ASBURY’S INTERNATIONAL FAMILIES

NIGERIA 

Samson Adeboye

SIERRA LEONE 

Festus and Gilbertine Campbell

Elisha and Victoria Davies Mona, Valentine, Mason

and Miles Davies Cyril and Akosua*During

Bridgett Elliott Wallace, Victoria

and Jazmine Scott Alice Sesay

Gilbertina Tumaku

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 

Charles Jean‐Pierre Collier

George, Noreen, Bryan and George, Jr. Dick

Claudette, Akua, Diarra, Keya, Natasha, and Princeton John

Donna, Anthony and Malika Doyle

Mary LeCompte, Nina, Fawn, Damon and Derek Johnston

Lincie King Barbara Semper*

Liesl Semper Lauren and Jordanne Semper‐Scott

*Deceased

10

 

A GLIMPSE INTO OUR INTERNATIONAL COUNTRIES ANGOLA

The word "Angola" derives from the title used by the rulers of the Ndongo state. The title Angola was first mentioned in Portuguese writings in the sixteenth century. A Portuguese colony founded on the coast in 1575 also came to be known as Angola. At the end of the nineteenth century, the name was given to a much larger territory that was envisaged to

come under Portuguese influence. These plans materialized slowly; not until the beginning of the twentieth century did Portuguese colonialism reach the borders of present‐day Angola. In 1975, this area became an independent country under the name República Popular de Angola (People's Republic of Angola). Later the "Popular" was dropped. There is no single national identity. The country is divided along many lines: Ethnic, religious, regional, racial, and other factors interact in the conflict. However, the notion of being Angolan is strong. The Portuguese language sets Angola apart from its neighboring countries and has created long‐standing ties not only with Portugal but also with Brazil, Mozambique, and other Portuguese‐speaking countries. The official language is Portuguese. Many Angolans are bilingual, speaking Portuguese and one or several African languages. In nearly all cases this is a Bantu language; those speaking a Khoisan language number less than 6,000. Six of the Bantu languages were selected as national languages: Chokwe, Kikongo, Kimbundo, Mbunda, Oxikuanyama, and Umbundu. Many people are able to understand one or more of the national languages, but some forty languages are spoken. BARBADOS

Situated about 320 km (200 mi) of Trinidad and about 160 km (100 mi) of St. Lucia, Barbados is the most easterly of the Caribbean islands. The island is 34 km (21 mi) long and 23 km (14 mi) wide, with an area of 430 sq km (166 sq mi) and a total coastline of 97 km (60 mi). Comparatively, Barbados occupies slightly less than 2.5 times the area of

Washington, DC. The Barbadian population is a diverse melting pot of individuals, the majority of whom are of African descent. However, Barbados is also made up of people who are of mixed race, Caucasian or European ancestry, East Indian, Oriental and Middle Eastern. The capital city of Barbados, Bridgetown, is located on the country’s southwestern coast. Barbados originally supported a considerable population of Arawak Indians, but invading Caribs decimated that population. By the time the British landed, near the site of present‐day Holetown in 1625, the island was uninhabited. Almost 2,000 English settlers landed in 1627‐28. Soon afterward, the island developed a sugar‐based economy, supported by a slave population. Slavery was abolished in 1834 and the last slaves were freed in 1838. In more formal settings, British English is both spoken and written; however, in most casual settings, Barbadians speak a unique Bajan dialect – an English‐based Creole language with African influences.

11

 

A GLIMPSE INTO OUR INTERNATIONAL COUNTRIES

BRAZIL Brazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, is the largest country in both South America and Latin America. At 8.5 million square kilometers (3.2 million square miles) and with over 208 million people, Brazil is the world's fifth‐largest country by area and the sixth‐most populous. The capital is Brasília, and the most‐populated city is São Paulo. It is the largest

country to have Portuguese as an official language and the only one in the Americas. Brazil was inhabited by numerous tribal nations prior to the landing in 1500 of explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral, who claimed the area for the Portuguese Empire. Brazil remained a Portuguese colony until 1808, when the capital of the empire was transferred from Lisbon to Rio de Janeiro. In 1815, the colony was elevated to the rank of kingdom upon the formation of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves. Independence was achieved in 1822 with the creation of the Empire of Brazil, a unitary state governed under a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary system. The ratification of the first constitution in 1824 led to the formation of a bicameral legislature, now called the National Congress. The country became a presidential republic in 1889 following a military coup d'état. An authoritarian military junta came to power in 1964 and ruled until 1985, after which civilian governance resumed. Brazil's current constitution, formulated in 1988, defines it as a democratic federal republic. Portuguese is a West Romance language and the sole official language of Portugal, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea‐Bissau, Mozambique, Angola, and São Tomé and Príncipe. It also has co‐official language status in East Timor, Equatorial Guinea and Macau in China. DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is located in central Africa and was established as a Belgian colony in 1908. In June 1960, the Congo achieved independence from Belgium. General Mobutu Sese Seko seized power in a military coup in 1965 and changed the country's name from "Republic of the Congo" to Zaire to give the country what he thought was a more authentic African name. From 1971 to 1997 the country was officially the

Republic of Zaire. In 1997, Mobutu's regime was overthrown by a rebellion and the country's name was changed again ‐ this time to "Democratic Republic of the Congo." The Democratic Republic of the Congo has a 25‐mile (40‐km) coastline on the Atlantic Ocean but is otherwise landlocked. It is the second largest country on the continent; only Algeria is larger. The capital, Kinshasa, is located on the Congo River about 320 miles (515 km) from its mouth. The largest city in central Africa, it serves as the country’s official administrative, economic, and cultural centre. The country is often referred to by its acronym, the DRC, or called Congo (Kinshasa), with the capital added parenthetically, to distinguish it from the other Congo republic, which is officially called the Republic of the Congo and is often referred to as Congo (Brazzaville). Congo is rich in natural resources. It boasts vast deposits of industrial diamonds, cobalt, and copper; one of the largest forest reserves in Africa; and about half of the hydroelectric potential of the continent. The DRC is home to an estimated 71 million people. French is the official language of the country. Kituba, Swahili, Tshiluba, and Lingala are the country's four national languages.

12

 

A GLIMPSE INTO OUR INTERNATIONAL COUNTRIES

GHANA Ghana, a country on the West Coast of Africa, is one of the most thriving democracies on the continent. It has often been referred to as an “Island of peace.” It shares boundaries with Togo to the east, la Cote d’Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north and the Gulf of Guinea, to the south.

In 1957, Ghana (formerly known as the Gold Coast) became the first country in sub‐Saharan Africa to gain independence. After leading the country for nine years, the nation’s founding president, Kwame Nkrumah, was overthrown in a coup d’état in 1966. After Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana was ruled by a series of military despots with intermittent experiments with democratic rule, most of which were curtailed by military takeovers. The country's economy is dominated by agriculture. Ghana is one of the leading exporters of cocoa in the world. It is also a significant exporter of commodities such as gold and lumber. Ghana is a multilingual country in which about eighty languages are spoken. Of these, English, which was inherited from the colonial era, is the official language and lingua franca. Of the languages indigenous to Ghana, Akan is the most widely spoken. GUYANA

Guyana, full name Co‐operative Republic of Guyana, is a tropical country situated on the northern coast of South America. Although Guyana is a part of the Caribbean, it is one of the few Caribbean countries that is not an island. Guyana was originally colonized by the Netherlands. Later, it became a British colony, known as British Guiana, and remained so for over 200 years until it achieved independence on May 26, 1966 from the United Kingdom.

On February 23, 1970, Guyana officially became a republic. Modern Guyana is bordered by Suriname to the east, by Brazil to the south and southwest, by Venezuela to the west, and by the Atlantic Ocean to the north. Guyana is an Amerindian word meaning “land of many waters” and is often referred to as the land of six peoples, reflecting the multi‐ethnic composition of its population: East Indians, Blacks, Amerindians, Chinese, Portuguese, and a large racially mixed population. The official language of Guyana is English. Creolese, an English‐based creole, is widely used as a language of informal communication.  INDIA 

India is a country that occupies the greater part of South Asia. It is a constitutional republic consisting of 29 states, each with a substantial degree of control over its own affairs; 6 less fully empowered union territories; and the Delhi national capital territory, which includes New Delhi, India’s capital. With roughly one‐sixth of the world’s total population, India is the second most‐populous country, after China.

Direct administration by the British, which began in 1858, effected a political and economic unification of the subcontinent. When British rule came to an end in 1947, the subcontinent was partitioned along religious lines into two separate countries—India, with a majority of Hindus, and Pakistan, with a majority of Muslims; the eastern portion of Pakistan later split off to form Bangladesh. Many British institutions stayed in place (such as the parliamentary system of government); English continued to be a widely used lingua franca; and India remained within the Commonwealth. Hindi became the official language (and a number of other local languages achieved official status), while a vibrant English‐language intelligentsia thrived.

13

 

A GLIMPSE INTO OUR INTERNATIONAL COUNTRIES

 INDIA (continued) 

India remains one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. Apart from its many religions and sects, India is home to innumerable castes and tribes, as well as to more than a dozen major and hundreds of minor linguistic groups from several language families unrelated to one another. Religious minorities, including Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains, still account for a significant proportion of the population; collectively,

their numbers exceed the populations of all countries except China. At independence, India was blessed with several leaders of world stature, most notably Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, who were able to galvanize the masses at home and bring prestige to India abroad. The country has played an increasing role in global affairs. JAMAICA

Jamaica is an island country situated in the Caribbean Sea, consisting of the third‐largest island of the Greater Antilles. The island, 10,990 square kilometers (4,240 sq. miles) in area, lies about 145 kilometers (90 Miles) south of Cuba, and 191 kilometers (119 miles) west of Hispaniola, the island containing the nation‐states of Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Jamaica is the fourth largest island country in the Caribbean, by area. Inhabited by the indigenous Arawak and Taino peoples, the island came under Spanish rule following the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1494. Named Santiago, it remained a possession of Spain until 1655, when England (later Great Britain) conquered the island and renamed it Jamaica. Under British rule, Jamaica became a leading sugar exporter, with its plantation economy highly dependent on slaves imported from Africa. The island achieved independence from the United Kingdom on August 6, 1962. Jamaica is the third most populous Anglophone country in the Americas (after the United States and Canada), and the fourth most populous country in the Caribbean. Kingston is the country’s capital and the largest city. Jamaicans are predominantly African descent, with significant European, Chinese, Hakka, Indian and mixed‐race minorities. While English is the official language of Jamaica, the large majority of the Jamaica people speak a form of English Creole, known by linguists as Jamaican Creole or Patois. Jamaican Creole can best be described as an English‐lexified Creole language; a mixture of English and a variety of West African languages.

KOREA

South Korea, a country in East Asia, occupies the southern portion of the Korean peninsula. The country is bordered by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) to the north, the East Sea (Sea of Japan) to the east, the East China Sea to the south, and the Yellow Sea to the west; to the southeast it is separated from the Japanese island of Tsushima by the Korea Strait. South Korea makes up about 45 percent of the peninsula’s

land area. The capital is Seoul (Sŏul). Korean, also called Hangul, is the official language of both North and South Korea. The Hanguk dialect is spoken is South Korea.

14

 

A GLIMPSE INTO OUR INTERNATIONAL COUNTRIES

  LIBERIA

Liberia, officially the Republic of Liberia, is a country on the West African coast. Liberia means “Land of the Free” in Latin. It is bordered by Sierra Leone to its west, Guinea to its north and Ivory Coast to its east. English is the official language and over 20 indigenous languages are spoken, representing the numerous tribes who make up more than 95% of

the population. The Republic of Liberia, beginning as a settlement of the American Colonization Society (ACS), declared its

independence on July 26, 1847. The United States did not recognize Liberia’s independence until during the American Civil War on February 5, 1862. Between January 7, 1822 and the American Civil War, more than 15,000 free and free‐born Black Americans from the United States and 3,198 Afro‐Caribbeans relocated to the settlement. The Black American settlers carried their culture with them to Liberia. The Liberian constitution and flag were modeled after those of the United States.

NEPAL

Nepal, a landlocked multi‐ethnic, multi‐lingual, multi‐religious country, is situated north of India in the Himalayas between India and China. The country along the southern slopes of the Himalayan mountain range is host to eight of the 10 highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga (on the border to Sikkim).

With an area of 147,181 km, Nepal is slightly larger than 1.5 times the size of Portugal, or slightly larger than the U.S. state of Arkansas. Nepal can be divided broadly into three ecological zones: the lowland, the midland and the highland. The mountain region accounts for about 64 percent of total land area, which is formed by the Mahabharat range that soars up to 4877 m and the lower Churia range.

In the Kapilavastu district, there is a place called Lumbini where in about 500 B.C.E. Queen Mayadevi is said

to have given birth to Siddhartha Gautama, better known as Buddha. Nepal has a population 31 million (2016 est.). The largest city and national capital is Kathmandu. About half of the population speaks the official language Nepali; the rest uses one of the several other Tibeto‐Burman languages.

NIGERIA

The Federal Republic of Nigeria commonly referred to as Nigeria, is a federal constitutional republic of South Africa, bordering Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in the north. Its coast in the south lies on the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean. It comprises 36 states and the Federal Capital territory, where the capital, Abuja is located.

Nigeria is officially a democratic secular country. Nigeria became a formally independent federation in 1960. Nigeria if often referred to as the “Giant of Africa,” owing to its large population and economy. With

approximately 184 million inhabitants, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and the seventh most populous country in the world. Nigeria has one of the largest populations of youth in the world. The country is viewed as a multinational state, as it is inhabited by over 500 ethnic groups, of which the three largest are the Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba; these ethnic groups speak over 500 different languages, and are identified with a wide variety of cultures. The official language is English.

15

 

A GLIMPSE INTO OUR INTERNATIONAL COUNTRIES

 SIERRA LEONE

Sierra Leone, officially the Republic of Sierra Leone, is a country in West Africa. It is boarded by Guinea on the north, Liberia in the south‐east, and the Atlantic Ocean in the south‐west. Sierra Leone has a tropical climate, with a diverse environment ranging from savannah to rainforests. Sierra Leone is divided into four geographical regions: the Northern Province, Eastern Province, Southern Province and the Western Area, which are

subdivided into fourteen districts. Freetown is the capital, largest city and its economic and political center. Bo is the second largest city. About sixteen ethnic groups inhabit Sierra Leone, each with its own language and customs. The two largest and most influential are the Temne and the Mende people. The Temne are predominantly found in the north of the country, while the Mende are predominant in the south‐east. Although English is the official language spoken at schools and government administration, the Krio language is the most widely spoken language in Sierra Leone and unites all the different ethnic groups in the country. Sierra Leone became independent in 1961. TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Trinidad and Tobago consists of two main islands, Trinidad and Tobago, and several smaller islands in southwestern West Indies. Forming the two southernmost links in the Caribbean chain, Trinidad and Tobago lie close to the continent of South America, northeast of Venezuela and northwest of Guyana. Trinidad, by far the larger of the two main islands, has

an area of about 1,850 square miles (4,800 square km). Tobago, much smaller, with an area of about 115 square miles (300 square km), lies 20 miles (30 km) to the northeast of Trinidad. The original inhabitants of Trinidad migrated from the Orinoco River delta region of northeastern South America and probably spoke an Arawakan language. Tobago was settled by Cariban‐speaking Indians when Europeans first arrived there. Trinidad and Tobago achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1962 and obtained membership in the Commonwealth and the United Nations that same year. It became a republic in 1976. The capital of Trinidad and Tobago is Port of Spain. The ethnic makeup of Trinidad is dominated by two groups, roughly equal in size: blacks, descended from slaves brought in to work on cotton and sugar plantations beginning in the late 18th century, and Indo‐Trinidadians, or East Indians, whose ancestors were primarily laborers who immigrated from the Indian subcontinent as plantation workers after the abolition of slavery in the mid‐19th century. People of mixed ethnicity constitute a slightly smaller third group. Migrants from Spain and other European countries, Africa, East and Southeast Asia, and the Middle East have all contributed to the ethnic composition of the islands’ population. Although English is the official language, most people speak Trinidad English, a Creole language. A few people, mostly in rural areas, speak a French‐derived Creole, Spanish, or Hindi.

16

“The Five Love Languages” John 15: 9‐17

Matthew Wilke, Pastor

Rico Huff, Music Director

FRAN PLAN CHALLENGE Fourth Sunday of Each Month

To reaching the unchurched Christians and the unchurched non‐Christians in your network of relationships, you are challenged to bring a friend, relative, acquaintance or neighbor to church on the fourth Sunday of each month. Who are unchurched persons? Anyone who has not been to church in six months. By inviting others to church, you show them the beautiful fellowship that God inspires in believers. Thank you for accepting this challenge and we look forward to giving your guest a warm Asburyan welcome on February 25!

Asbury UMC Live Stream Go to asburyumcdc.org and select the live stream button on the home page to watch

the 10:30 am and 6:00 pm services on Sunday.

9:30—10:30 am ♥ Adult —1‐9 ♥ Children—2‐8/2‐9 ♥ Youth—1‐12

Please join us in Fellowship Hall for food and fellowship immediately following the

10:30 am service.

17

Asbury’s Week At‐A‐Glance

Sunday, February 11, 2018 7:30 am—Valet Parking 8:30 am & 10:30 am—Worship, Sanctuary 9:30 am—Adult Sunday School, 1‐9 9:30 am—Children’s Sunday School, 2‐8/2‐9 9:30 am—Youth Sunday School, 1‐12 12:30 pm—International Day Fellowship, G‐1 6:00 pm—The Bridge Worship Service, G‐1

Monday, February 12, 2018 7:45 am—Downtown Cluster’s Geriatric Ctr., G‐1/OSH/1‐11/1‐12 3:00 pm—Deadline: Asburyan Bulletin & Ads 7:30 pm—Disciple Fast Track Bible Study, 1‐11/1‐12

Tuesday, February 13, 2018 7:45 am—Downtown Cluster’s Geriatric Ctr., G‐1/OSH/1‐11/1‐12 7:00 pm—Fitness and Exercise Class, OSH

Wednesday, February 14, 2018 7:45 am—Downtown Cluster’s Geriatric Ctr., G‐1/OSH/1‐11/1‐12 8:00 am—Jericho Road Bible Study, Conference Call 12:00 pm—Ash Wednesday Service, Sanctuary 7:00 pm—Ash Wednesday Service, Sanctuary

Thursday, February 15, 2018 7:45 am—Downtown Cluster’s Geriatric Ctr., G‐1/OSH/1‐11/1‐12 10:00 am—Stephen Ministry Training, 1‐9 2:00 pm—Gift Acceptance Policy Mtg., 1‐8 6:45 pm—Asbury Federal Credit Union Board Mtg., Off‐Site 7:00 pm—Jericho Road Bible Study, Collette Residence 7:00 pm—Band Practice for the Bridge, G‐1

Friday, February 16, 2018 7:45 am—Downtown Cluster’s Geriatric Ctr., G‐1/1‐11/1‐12/2‐8/2‐9

Saturday, February 17, 2018 9:00 am—Asbury 2020 Ministry Team Mtg., G‐1 10:00 am—Asbury Handbell Choir Rehearsal, G‐1 10:30 am—Prayer Bead Workshop, 1‐9 11:00 am—Wesleyan Choir Rehearsal, OSH 11:30 am—Food Pantry, G‐4 12:30 pm—Male Chorus Rehearsal, OSH 2:00 pm—Higher Praise Choir Rehearsal, OSH 2:00 pm—Jericho Road Bible Study, 1‐11/1‐12

We hope that through word, music, fellowship and prayer you will

experience the presence of God today. Please make sure you sign

the attendance register as it is passed so that we can share with

you about what is happening in the life of this church.

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS

From The Senior Pastor’s Desk February 2018

Word for the Month: GREATER IS COMING

Scripture of the Month: Mark 1 

Thought for the Month: In 1967, Dr. Mar n Luther King, Jr., isolated himself from the demands of the civil rights movement, rented a house in Jamaica with no telephone, and labored over his final manuscript. In this prophe c work, he lays out his thoughts, plans, and dreams for America's future, including the need for be er jobs, higher wages, decent housing, and quality educa on. With a universal message of hope that con nues to resonate, King demanded an end to global suffering, asser ng that humankind‐for the first me‐has the resources and technology to eradicate poverty.

Emphasis for the Month: Discipleship

Pastor’s Book of the Month: Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community by Mar n Luther King, Jr.

18

MARKYOURCALENDARANDBRINGAFRIEND

Three Shows February 16 (7:30 pm)

February 17 (2:30 pm/7 pm)

2018 Rise Season Dance Performance THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave., SE Washington, DC See Jeanarta McEachron to purchase tickets

February 18

Higher Praise Gospel Chorale in Concert, Both Services

February 25 HBCU/Greek Organizations Sunday, 10:30 am Asbury’s Male Chorus in Concert, 3:30 pm Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 901 3rd St., NW Washington, DC

19

Lord, Lord, Open Unto Me

Open unto me, light for my darkness Open unto me, courage for my fear Open unto me, hope for my despair Open unto me, peace for my turmoil Open unto me, joy for my sorrow Open unto me, strength for my weakness Open unto me, wisdom for my confusion Open unto me, forgiveness for my sins Open unto me, tenderness for my toughness Open unto me, love for my hates Open unto me, Thy Self for myself Lord, Lord, open unto me! —Howard Thurman, from "Meditations of the Heart" Thurman who was born in 1899 and raised in the segregated South. He is recognized as one of the great spiritual leaders of the 20th century renowned for his reflections on humanity and our relationship with God. Thurman was a prolific author (writing at least 20 books); perhaps the most famous is Jesus and the Disinherited (1949), which deeply influenced Martin Luther King, Jr. and other leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. Thurman was the first black person to be a tenured Dean at a PWI (Boston U). He also cofounded the first interracially pastored, intercultural church in the US.

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES

Wednesday, February 14

12 pm & 7 pm Asbury UMC, Sanctuary

Parking is available for the 7 pm service.

20

Sunday, February 18 After the 10:30 am service ~ Room 1‐8

New Asbury members and anyone in the congregation may attend. You will receive a

common understanding of our Christian faith and the United Methodist Church. Lunch will be

provided. Call 202‐628‐0009 to sign‐up.

RSVPTOATTEND

40‐DAY DANIEL FAST

The season of Lent is the 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Easter observed as a period of penitence and fasting. Our Lenten Study will be The Jericho Road Devotional, a resource developed by the Baltimore‐Washington Conference which features the writings of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. To accompany your journey and strengthen your relationship with God you are also invited to engage in a 40‐Day Daniel Fast. The Daniel Fast is a biblically based partial fast that focuses on eating fruits and vegetables that are pure and simple. As a Lenten fast, you will have a Jubilee Sunday each week and fast the remaining days of the week. Pick up a copy of the 40‐Day Daniel Fast Guide from the Narthex, near the Sound Room, at the resource rack near the church office and, from the 11th Street reception desk. If you have any known medical conditions, please consult your doctor before beginning the fast.

BEGINS FEBRUARY 14, MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

This Lenten Journey features writings from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and is especially fitting as we celebrate the life of Dr. King in

the 50th year since his assassination.

During this 7-week study, bring a friend to hear the sermon series and join a study

group. You can pick-up the Jericho Road Lenten guide and registration form from the

Narthex, near the Sound Room, at the resource rack by the church office, and from

the 11th Street reception desk. Place your completed registration form in the offering

plate or submit it to Vanessa Williford.

MINISTRY TEAM MEETING Asbury 2020 Task Force

Saturday, February 17 ~ 9 am-11 am Fellowship Hall

Team leaders, there will be a special meeting to learn more about areas of focus for the upcoming year. We request that at least one representative from each ministry area attend this key meeting as the Task Force will reveal the Top 3 objectives we will focus on this year. Information you will obtain in this meeting will be useful for the upcoming Church Retreat. Contact Darryl Wyles at 301-446-6885 or dwyles@hotmail.com to confirm your intent to attend this meeting.

21

HIGHER PRAISE GOSPEL CHORALE FEBRUARY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

& FEBRUARY 18 CONCERT

Mark your calendar for next Sunday, February 18 and join Higher Praise in worship. They will sing at the 8:30 am and 10:30 am services. Higher Praise Gospel Chorale members have a few more copies of their daily meditative guide. Stop by the Narthex, after worship to pick-up a copy. Devotionals are complimentary (limit 2 per person) but they will gladly receive donations. For more information please contact: x� Sharleen Bradford Kavetski ~ (301) 642-8675, Shark711@comcast.net x� Joette Nelson ~ (202) 628-0009, jnelson@asburyumcdc.org

REGISTER FOR LEADERSHIP DAY Leadership Day is designed to equip and empower

all United Methodists to make disciples of Jesus Christ. With a focus on various aspects of church leadership, best practices, and on strategies for

growth, Leadership Day has something for everyone! All are welcome! Register online at

www.bwcumc.org/event.

SIGN-UP TO VOLUNTEER Volunteers are also needed to assist with check-in, breakfast and lunch, and serve as hall monitors. To volunteer, sign‐up at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4dafad2fa4fe3‐volunteer. This link will go directly to Pastor Tammi Brantley who has graciously agreed to help with Leadership Days.

22

HBCUS & Greek organizations Sunday

Continuing Their Legacies

Come out and show your pride by representing your HBCU and Greek organization. When: Sunday, February 25, 2018, 10:30 am worship Guest Speaker: E. Gail Holness from Christ Our Redeemer AME Attire: It’s a casual attire day. Feel free to wear your Greek

attire and school colors. There will be a reception between both services in rooms 1-11 & 1-12 for getting to know our HBCU and Greek members. Bring family and friends.

HBCUS & Greek organizations Sunday

Continuing Their Legacies

During this special worship service, Asbury would like to recognize all members of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Divine 9 Greek Sorority/Fraternity members. Please complete the form below (print clearly) to let the HBCU/GREEK committee members know which HBCU you attended and/or your Greek organization. Tear-out the form and return it to Nina McEaddy (301-352-6711) and Monica McEaddy (301-577-2273) or contact them to share your information.

Name______________________________________________________________________

HBCU______________________________________________________________________

Sorority____________________________________________________________________

Fraternity__________________________________________________________________

23

The Baltimore‐Washington Conference will offer college scholarships for the Fall 2018 semester. Students can apply today–March 7 through an online application system. Scholarships are available to

students attending or enrolling in accredited colleges and universities in the United States. Students must be an active member of a church for at least one year and be attending (or will attend) an accredited college or university within the United States full‐time. Students will need to provide their official transcript (high school or college) and contact information for two church references (pastor and another member of the church). In addition, the student must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. For additional information and to apply, visit www.bwcumc.org/administration/

finance/local‐church‐resources/scholarships/.

THEFEBRUARYBIRTHDAY'SWILLFELLOWSHIPALONGWITHJANUARYANDMARCHBIRTHDAYMEMBERSAFTERTHE10:30AMWORSHIPSERVICEONMARCH18,2018.

ALLMEMBERSAREWELCOMETO

PARTICIPATE.WEAREASKINGFORA$25DONATIONTOHELPWITH

PROVIDINGFOODANDDECORATIONSFORTHISEVENT.

PLEASESEEWILLIECLARKORCALLNINAMCEADDYAT301‐352‐6711

TOMAKEYOURDONATION.

CHURCH COUNCIL RETREAT

Saturday, March 3

9 am‐3 pm

Asbury Church Rooms 1‐11/1‐12

24

25

PALM SUNDAY MARCH 25

8:30 am & 10:30 am—Asbury Sanctuary 6 pm—Fellowship Hall

MAUNDY-THURSDAY

MARCH 29 7 pm—Asbury Sanctuary

GOOD FRIDAY March 30

12-3 pm—Asbury Sanctuary

EASTER SUNDAY APRIL 1

6:30 am, 8:30 am & 10:30 am Asbury Sanctuary

6 pm—Fellowship Hall

26

Reserve your seat now for the play, coach bus ride, lunch, and visit to the shopping outlet. The bus departs from Old Howard University School of Divinity parking lot. $155 for package. $50 non‐refundable deposit due

February 1. Balance due May 1. See organizers Margaret Carter (202‐213‐9146) or Charlyn Bachemin (240‐779‐4067) for ckets.

Friday,June22,2018Sight&SoundTheater~Lancaster,PA

ASBURY CALENDAR AT‐A‐GLANCE CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE TO ADD YOUR MINISTRY EVENT TO THE CHURCH CALENDAR AND RESERVE SPACE.

FEBRUARY 2018 – Black History Month 4—Officer Dedication/BMCR Sunday 11—International Day 14—Ash Wednesday Services, 12 & 7 pm 18—HPGC Concert (10:30 am)/Lent 1 New Member Orientation 25—HBCU‐Greek Day/FRAN Plan/Lent 2/

Asbury Male Chorus Concert

MARCH 2018 3—Church Council Planning Retreat 4—Lent 3 11—Lent 4/UMCOR Sunday 17—Asbury/HU/MOTTEP Health Fair 18—MARC B‐days 19—Lent 5 25—Palm Sunday (8:30am, 10:30am,

6pm) 29—Maundy Thursday, 7 pm 30—Good Friday, 12‐3 pm

APRIL 2018 1—Easter (6:30am, 8:30am, 10:30am, 6pm) 8 15—Native American Ministries Sunday 22—FRAN Plan 28—HU/Wesley Fundraiser 29—Youth/Young Adult Sunday

MAY 2018 3—National Day of Prayer 6 13—Mother’s Day 14—Wesley Seminary Graduation 17—UMW Social Action Event 20 27—FRAN Plan/ Peace with Justice Sunday 31—Annual Conference

JUNE 2018 1‐2—Annual Conference 3 9—UMM Prayer Breakfast 10—Men’s Day (One Service) 16—UMW Friendship Luncheon 17—Father’s Day/Graduate

Recognition Sunday/MARC B‐days

24 – Music Ministry Day

JULY 2018 1 8 14—UMM/UMW Church Picnic 15 22—FRAN Plan 29—Youth/Young Adult Sunday

AUGUST 2018 5 12 19 26—FRAN Plan

SEPTEMBER 2018 2 9—MARC B‐days/Football Ministry 16—Homecoming 2018 (One

Service) 23—FRAN Plan 30—Youth/Young Adult Sunday

OCTOBER 2018 7—World Communion Sunday/

Stewardship Kick‐off 14—Pastor Appreciation Sunday 20—UMW Mission Project 21—Women’s Day (One Service) 28—FRAN Plan/Laity Sunday

NOVEMBER 2018 4—All Saints Sunday 11—Organ & Tissue Donor/Stewardship

Sunday 18—UM Student Day/ MARC B‐days 21—Thanksgiving Eve (Stop Hunger

Project) 25—FRAN Plan/Christ the King

DECEMBER 2018 2 —Advent 1 8—UMW Christmas Party 9—Advent 2 16—Advent 3/Wesleyan Concert 23—FRAN Plan/Advent 4 24—Christmas Eve 30—Youth/Young Adult Sunday 31—Watch Night Service, 7 pm

Asbury Church is closed on the following holidays x� New Year’s Day x� MLK Day x� Easter Monday x� Memorial Day x� Independence Day x� Labor Day x� Thanksgiving Day x� Christmas Day

27

Drivers Needed! Asbury will provide the church van and a $25 daily stipend for your time. We need help transporting members to

and from the 10:30 am service. Transportation pick‐up is available to

members living in the immediate Washington, DC area. Interested?

Please contact Patricia Clark at 301‐925‐4735 or

cclark19@verizon.net.

Looking for an Opportunity to Serve? Consider the Asbury Lay Servants Ministry

Would you like to extend your ministry with Christ in new directions as a Lay Servant? Asbury’s Lay Servants Ministry may be the right fit for you! Contact an Asbury Lay Servant to hear about their experience:

Tawana Jackson E Sandra King-Shaw � Frances Neal E Ann Price

Brenda Reid-Sanders E Ruth Scarbrough � Carol Travis, Greater Washington District

Coordinator Contact Ann Price, Asbury Lay Servant Coordinator at pricefa@verizon.net or 301-464-0602 for more details.

JOURNEYING THROUGH GRIEF CONTACT MINISTRY

(PROVIDING LOVE, CARE, SUPPORT, FOLLOW‐UP, & OUTREACH)

When a friend or family member loses a

loved one, we want to show that we care. But we don’t always know what to say or do. This

Ministry will be responsible for preparing Journeying through Grief books for mailing,

and by providing on-going care, love, support to members during the first year after a loss. If you would like to help with this ministry or obtain more information,

please contact Tawana C. Jackson at 202-628-0009.

FITNESS WITH THAMAR DAVISFITNESS WITH THAMAR DAVIS T 7 F HT 7 F H

T T

♥ Resistance bands & weights ♥ Circuit and target training ♥ No judgement zone ♥ Move at your own pace ♥ Drop‐ins welcome, pay as you go

Contact the church office for details.

28

DAILYWORD GETTINGAROUND

Sunday, February 11 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18

Monday, February 12

Luke 5:1-11

Tuesday, February 13 Psalm 46:1-11

Wednesday, February 14

Matthew 1:1-6, 16-17

Thursday, February 15 Ezekiel 47:1-12

Friday, February 16

Psalm 111:1-10

Saturday, February 17 1 Samuel 26:1-12

i� There is an elevator in the Education Building that

accesses all levels of the church—the sanctuary, the

fellowship hall, and all the Sunday School rooms.

i� Free parking is available Sundays in the garage

adjacent to our 11th Street entrance. Pick up a

parking pass from the 11th Street reception desk.

i� Restrooms are on the lower level on either side of the

narthex and on the 2nd and 3rd floors.

Asbury United Methodist Church

Rev. Dr. Ianther M. Mills, Senior Pastor Rev. Alexis Brown, Howard University UM Chaplain Min. Matthew Wilke, Contemporary Worship Pastor

Rev. Ivan Milosi, Ministry Intern Tawana Jackson, Stephen Minister

Bishop Forrest Stith, Retired Bishop in Residence Sandy Adams & Darryl Wyles, Lay Leaders

Rev. Gerard A. Green, Jr., District Superintendent Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling, Episcopal Leader of the Baltimore‐Washington Conference

Visit asburyumcdc.org for information about our ministries. Find us on Facebook and Twitter. 926 11th St., NW, Washington, DC 20001 ~ 202‐628‐0009 ~ asburymail@asburyumcdc.org

Monday‐Friday ~ 8:00 am‐4:30 pm

REMINDER For those members who opted out of receiving giving envelopes, we will continue to accept your tithes and offerings in the following ways:

x� Monthly check or weekly checks with your envelope number in the memo line. These may be put in the offering baskets or mailed to the finance office. If you do not remember your envelope number, we can find you in the system.

x� Use the e-giving option on the church website. x� Make your contributions using credit/debit cards

during service. Ushers can provide the credit card processor for your convenience.

The Stewardship Committee

FLOWERS IN MEMORY OF EDNA W. REID Today's altar flowers are given in loving memory of Edna W. Reid, a devoted, loving wife, mother and mother-in-law on the fifth anniversary of her going home with the Lord. "We thought of you today, but that is nothing new. We thought about you yesterday, and days before that too. We think of you in silence, we often speak your name. All we have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is a keepsake, from which we'll never part. God has you in his loving arms, we have you in our hearts." Robert Reid, husband Don and Brenda Reid-Sanders, daughter and son-in-law